Baber steps up from his role as assistant coach

The Dragons assistant coach has named a 12-man squad, but will stay in Wales to help his region in their Challenge Cup quarter-final with Brive.

Rees' Sevens assistant Gareth Baber takes charge of a squad that introduces three new Sevens faces, Dai Flanagan, James Lewis and Rob McKusker.

"I have every confidence in Gareth's ability to take over," said Rees.

"Traditionally, everyone raises their game for the Hong Kong Sevens, but we have set ourselves a target of a top-eight finish in at least one of these tournaments."

Wales face Tonga, Chinese Taipei and South Africa in the pool stage.

Wales Sevens squad: Jonathan Edwards (capt, Llanelli RFC), Lee Beach (Ospreys), Wayne Evans (Blues), Dai Flanagan (Blues Academy / Pontypridd RFC), Alec Jenkins (Scarlets Academy / Llanelli RFC), James Lewis (Dragons Academy / Bedwas RFC), Rhodri McAtee (Penzance), Rob McCusker (Scarlets), James Merriman (Gloucester), Richard Mustoe (Ospreys), Jamie Roberts (Blues Academy / Cardiff RFC), Tal Selley (Ospreys)